• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Proposed reduction in health checks

My GP hasn't been involved in physically giving Covid jabs but the surgery is involved with the admin side of things. I used the online system to organise my first two jabs but the surgery told me where to go for the booster. My wife, who goes to a different surgery, used the online system for the first two and a walk in centre for the booster. Round here the pharmacies have been very good at providing the "person power" for giving shots and managing people. GPs themselves don't seem to be that involved.
I have a prostate cancer which is termed as low level but needs checking every 6 months. I've had to chase the Urology Department a few times but now I can book a blood test online without any hassle.
 
I do wonder if the Pharmacies will be dealing with most things and everything else palmed off somewhere else. My GP is good she will speak over the phone or arrange an appointment should I need one. My routine asthma check was an online questionnaire but to be honest at the moment that suits my needs.
 
Some of the checks for diabetes are questionable if you have sensibly maintained BS. BP tests can be done at home more reliably than the surgery. Foot checks are not needed if you have good BS control. More patients should use online access to find out test results etc. So we do need a serious review of the best use of GP and nurse time. Currently it's a bit robotic with no up to date review of the process.
 
@lucylocket61 - my sense of it was the removal of pressures from GPs would be in an effort to offer all those in the relevant groups their booster by the end of January.

I haven't read what the numbers look like, but they will be massive - particularly if they reduce the qualifying period as mooted in the press in recent days.

At the moment, our local Hub is dealing with GP cases, on a specific surgery (per session) and appointments only, but this week there are a couple of sessions for minors.

I'll be interested to see what shifts I might be offered in the coming days.
 
However, as they are already talking about annual or six monthly vaccinations, that is a considerable part of a year when health check appointments will not be available. My asthma annual check, for example, has been move to Feb 2022 instead of this month. My annual diabetes check is also not happening this year either. It will have been 15 months since I last got checked and my HbA1c done, assuming there are the blood vials available then to do so.
 
Used to be we had doctors who took care of their patients health now we just have servitors to the pharma and vaccine companies could be partly why I seem to feel so angry all the time these days or am I just getting old and grumpy.
 
JohnEGreen said:
Used to be we had doctors who took care of their patients health now we just have servitors to the pharma and vaccine companies could be partly why I seem to feel so angry all the time these days or am I just getting old and grumpy.
Click to expand...

That's the current National Covid Service model.

Our health is no longer a priority we are simply a means for making money.
 

In my view, if "we" move to 6-monthly boosters there will be specialist roles created in some form of Vaccination Service to carry these out - just as there are specialist teams delivering flu vaccines (jabs or nasal sprays) in schools.

Provided there is oversight, repeat vaccinations are low risk activities. For those at greater risk (say, historic anaphylaxis, or lots if allergies) other arrangements will apply, just as they do now.

My GP surgery still has closed doors, with access either via the telephone (8 minutes of do this, do that before getting into any queue), or if it is required for the person to attend, access via a video access system. Prescriptions or blood test papers being collected are passed over at the doorway.

That said, I have attended hospital several times in the last 6 months, for investigations, then treatment planning, and I have to say that service has been excellent, with minimal delays.

I see my GP more at the Vaccine Hub than anywhere else.

Those are just my views and experiences.

Edited to add: Retinopathy screening done Tuesday. Results on GP record today. All clear.
 
Last edited:
AndBreathe said:
In my view, if "we" move to 6-monthly boosters there will be specialist roles created in some form of Vaccination Service
Click to expand...
Who do you think are going to staff this vaccinations service? I assume you are aware of the huge staff shortage already, and reliance on volunteers and retired people helping out. That can't continue indefinitely.
 
It will probably be quarterly injections for every living human by this time next year, so the situation will likely only worsen. It’s almost as if the NHS is being intentionally decimated in order that it can be sold off to their mates for ten quid.
 
JohnEGreen said:
Used to be we had doctors who took care of their patients health now we just have servitors to the pharma and vaccine companies could be partly why I seem to feel so angry all the time these days or am I just getting old and grumpy.
Click to expand...

You're not getting old or grumpy. I feel the same way, and I live in a different country with a different "healthcare" (non)system.

Unless of course I'm getting old and grumpy too.
 

Hi,

Years ago. Before all this block booking for "jab days." I'm talking "flu" down the local surgery..
When I went for a checkup to see a DSN, they did the vaxing there & then.? (Part of the service.)

It's a pitty that can't be put into practice for the "regulars," consultations & wot not?
"Mr Lee, here is your A1c, I also notice you're due for a booster too."
Save time regarding a separate appointment slot just for a jab??
 

I was offered a flu jab at my diabetic review today.
 
That only works if you can schedule regular check up appointments at a suitable date. I havent been able to get routine appointments this year. The flu jab has always been a special clinic but i cant have it so i dont go.
 
Last edited:
lucylocket61 said:
Who do you think are going to staff this vaccinations service? I assume you are aware of the huge staff shortage already, and reliance on volunteers and retired people helping out. That can't continue indefinitely.
Click to expand...

For some in care settings, for example, a vaccinator role would be like a promotion. I am absolutely not devaluing the work of care workers, but it strikes me as a hard, hard way to earn very modest amounts of money.

Of course, the numbers of volunteers have reduced since furlough has ended and the world opened up a bit. At one time, volunteers would comment it was fab just to be getting out of the house and see people, without feeling rules were being broken.

I'm only speculating Lucy. To be frank, some of my ideas seem at least as credible as some coming from areas considered to be more credible.
 
The very sceptical (I.e. me) think they are using this as an excuse to get rid of potetinially expensive older people, because they have known for years that the cost of expensive PFI building projects, and management type contracts are now costing so much that they don't have the funds to run a basic service, let alone one that looks after its vulnerable and elderly.
Covid is just being a lovely smokescreen
My personal opinion only
 
Didn't want Covid booster and flu jab on the same day, so had my flu jab at a local chemist, choice of date and time. All very efficient and 2 minutes from home, filled online form in before I went, so in and out in a couple of minutes. Will do this in future. Just googled chemists doing flu jabs near me and quite a few names came up, so that's always another option.
 
I booked an appointment with my local pharmacy for a flu jab but when I got there they hadn’t any vaccine left. I managed to get one yesterday in Boots walk in jab clinic. I also never received any notification from my GP practice that I needed a flu jab whereas my husband still receives letters and texts despite having his in October!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…